She ran a really strong race, Bremerton coach Teresa Seim said. The two other girls who finished in front of her are state-known runners. One (winner Allison Tubbs of Enumclaw) was 11th at state last year and the other one (Narrows League champ Jessie McLaughlin of Olympia) is a state mile champ. Lih (pronounced Lee) hung in there with them a long time.

Kuhlman didnt even qualify for district a year ago after placing 16th at the Olympic League meet.

Kuhlman ran in the top-third of the pack during the first mile, then just started picking off runners.

Thats where the Knight runner has shown the most improvement.

Last year I was always being passed at the end of the race, she said. I never had a fast finish. This year I can pass people at the end of the race. I know how to run a race. Last year I had trouble picking a pace.

Seim was impressed.

She ran a real smart race, the Bremerton coach said. She just keeps getting better. I dont think she even knows how good she is. Were both just learning together.

Kuhlman will be joined at the state meet in Pasco on Nov. 3 by junior Joe Miller, who placed 24th in the boys race with a time of 16:19.53. This will be Millers second trip to state. He placed 60th a year ago.

Joe didnt run his best race (at district), Seim said, but we were fine. He had a sideache the whole race. Still, he was in no danger of not qualifying. We knew he just needed to be in the top 35.

The top seven teams and top 35 individuals earned berths in the state meet.

Olympic Highs Dan Frederick, who was 22nd (16:18.40), will also be making his second straight state appearance.

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